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~From Dauna’s Corner of the Studio
Clouds of confusion swirl around us as we try to find the solution to a problem. Known as “the veil of illusion” in some eastern religions, these clouds reflect our fears back to us so that we determine they are all we have from which to choose our solutions.
Our emotions often both obscure an answer and point the way to another one. Sometimes we think too much, and our “logic” actually confuses our thoughts even further.
 Peaceful image for meditation But if we allow ourselves to breathe deeply a few times, think a little less and feel a little more, we may find that small areas in the clouds have opened to reveal more clarity. Once we allow thoughts and emotions to work together, answers arrive more smoothly and with much less anxiety. Surprisingly, the optimal solution is often something quite different than the one either our mind or our emotions wanted it to be.
This image is the second oil painting created with my non-dominant hand. This one is painted on canvas board. It began as a spiral healing image for a Myst Online/Uru Live storytelling project but, as you can see, has since morphed into something quite different — although still rather relaxing to view. In addition, it is now also included as an artistic example of lateral storytelling/teaching that is part of the Edummersive Worlds virtual classroom prototype in Second Life and OSGrid. And… it became something much better than my dominant right hand (and left brain) “thought” it should be. I am pleased to say that my left hand is becoming skilled rather quickly for having no prior training. There isn’t any paint splattered around the room yet — that alone inspires confidence to give it the brush again. 
You can purchase a print of this image here in our Gallery Shoppe or in the Kiser Art Gallery on Imagekind.
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~From Dauna’s Corner of the Studio
Out of Chaos comes order. Out of Chaos must come Order (we insist on it!) to become that which is controllable, predictable, definable in our perception. Only when we perceive that Order does it materialize out of Chaos, so Chaos never looks orderly until we impose our observable intent on it. The quantum nature of chaos means it is not understood by the part of our minds that need linear, ordered structure. Yet Chaos, in its quantum state before materialized by perception, has its own kind of order and stability. We just don’t see that, so we cannot believe it is there.
Allow yourself to be in chaos for a time. Study the image — do you see different types of orders surfacing then sinking back? How do they make you feel? Relaxed, intrigued, nervous, afraid? Did you immediately change the subject by clicking away? Why do you feel that way?
This image was painted in oil paints — first time my non-dominant hand was allowed to hold and wield the brush (scary!). The main colors were blocked in with my left hand, and the details were added with my right hand. No clothing or furniture was irreparably damaged during the painting of this image.
You can purchase a print of this image here in our Gallery Shoppe or in the Kiser Art Gallery on Imagekind.
~From Dauna’s Corner of the Studio
This is the second image using the Image Writing process I’ve been experimenting with recently. This is a process that allows the non-dominant hand to choose colors and lay them down on the surface as if writing, without any “rational” value judgement. Of course, the “rational” dominant part of my brain immediately objected to being left out of control, to the placement of one color next to another, and even, at times, to the colors. We have been well trained to worship the rational (whatever that actually means…)
This image came with a story. It began to look rather brain-like, or perhaps even to resemble a cloud nebula. I found myself thinking that it showed the connectedness of the chaotic nature of the universe, but that doesn’t seem possible through the rational part of our brain. So what it is that actually connects us to one another? What is the fabric or network or web along which currents of connections flow? Does the brain in our head really link us one to another, or is there another kind of brain that brings the power of emotion into “rational” thinking? I myself have never felt connected to anyone via my thoughts, or rationally during a discussion or debate. The link has always been something beyond or along with a “feeling” of connection, even as I like to use the term “Like Minds!” when I and a friend seem to be “on the same wavelength.”
So this one is up for discussion. Try leaving out the logical that wants to argue “right” and “wrong” and just allow yourself to let it be what it is to you. Not as easy as one might think (if thinking is the activity most valued, heh). Hey, stop thinking already!
The image is from an 9×6″ oil painting over an oil pastel wash on masonite. The original is not available.
You can buy a print of this image in the Kiser Art Studio Shoppe or in the KiserArt Abstract Gallery on ImageKind.
~From Dauna’s Corner of the Studio
One of the benefits of a (dissertation-) free summer is that I can spend some time painting. In mid-June, I found myself experimenting with a technique that allows the non-dominant hand to write, paint, play piano, etc. Not trusting this untrained appendage to avoid slinging oil paint everywhere as it attempted to hit the canvas, I started with oil pastels. I allowed my left hand to “choose” the colors (that was safe) and of course it chose colors I fervently objected to. Still, onward I went with my unwieldy hand, and after a few mishaps on scrap paper, I discovered my left hand worked quite differently than my right. It preferred to “write” an image with color as if writing sentences. I also found myself laughing at myself even more than usual as each image looked at first like childish scrawl, then gibberish, then took on a life of its own. Once each composition “paragraph” was complete, I switched to my dominant hand (since it wouldn’t make a mess) to add details with oil paints. I ended up rather pleased with the pieces. Even the artist of the family was impressed. I’ve done several paintings now and each one is different but just as interesting. Here is the first. I call it “Mother Joy.”
Buy a print of this image in our shoppe or our store at ImageKind.
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